Familiar foe for Erik

Erik Lamela could come up against a familiar face if he features against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Newcastle’s skipper and Erik’s fellow Argentine international Fabricio Coloccini is back in the frame after injury for Sunday's Premier League clash at the Lane.

“I know him well from the national team and we talk from time to time,” said Erik, who is in the latest Argentinian squad for next week’s friendlies against Ecuador and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

“He’s a very technical player, a good defender and a leader. He has lots of experience as well. He’s the complete player.”

Erik was in a buoyant mood after bagging his first goal for the club in Thursday night’s Europa League win against FC Sheriff at the Lane.

"Personally I’m happy because I scored a goal, but I’m also happy because we won the match," said Erik, who was also brought down for a penalty that Jermain Defoe fired into the top corner to become our all-time leading goalscorer in Europe.

"The most important thing for me is that I’m fitting into the team and we were able to win, that’s the main thing, the fact we won.

"I was lucky that my family was there, my girlfriend as well, and my goal was dedicated to them. I’m happy it happened that way.

"I’m grateful that my family is here, also my team-mates, the technical team and everyone has been really helpful. I’m glad to be here working with them."